TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Brian Coats |
Deputy Chief |
TITLE:
title
Police Technology Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The DFR (Drone as a First Responder) program has evolved from a small-scale “pilot” to a fully operational, nationally & internationally recognized and awarded program. DFR has become an integral component of Redmond’s public safety strategy. Police staff will brief Council on the department’s recent technological advancements, including the activation of the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), which enhances situational awareness and supports coordinated emergency response.
Staff will also address and clarify concerns & dispel misinformation related to the FLOCK ALPR camera program.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
RPD Policy 612 - Automated License Plate Readers
RPD Policy 341 - Public Safety Technology Data Governance
RCW 10.93.160 - Keep Washington Working Act
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
This item was requested by Council during the Public Safety & Human Services Committee of the Whole on September 16, 2025.
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Council will receive clarification on the purpose, safeguards, and community impacts of the FLOCK ALPR camera program, addressing concerns raised in recent media coverage. This briefing will ensure Council is informed on how these tools enhance transparency, efficiency, and community safety.
Additionally, the DFR (Drone as a First Responder) program has recently expanded to two active pilots, providing extended coverage and improving operational availability. Three strategically positioned UAS docks are now located throughout the city, enabling faster response times to a variety of calls for service and enhancing the department’s ability to assess incidents in real time. Council support for expansion of the program to six docks prior to World Cup activities, to allow increased “up-time” to provide situational awareness and reduce overtime and staffing during the three-week event.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: RPD Policy on Automated License Plate Readers
Attachment B: RPD Policy on Public Safety Technology Data Governance